Dyer and Walczak Shine in 3-2 Win over Modesto
Published on June 14, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
After a high-scoring series with the Visalia Rawhide came to a close, the Bakersfield Blaze took to a pitchers duel in Modesto, and the combination of Shane Dyer and Jamie Walzcak led the Blaze to a thrilling 3-2 win over the Nuts at John Thurman Field in Modesto.
The Blaze had countless chances to blow the game open against Nuts started Ben Alsup (L, 3-8), and though the club went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position, the activity generated early would be enough thanks to the strong pitching performances.
In the 1st inning, Yorman Rodriguez and Juan Silva opened the game with back-to-back singles, and one out later, Steve Selsky walked to load the bases. Juan Duran followed with a high chopper to third, and the throw to first base was dropped, leading to a run, and keeping the bases loaded. Kyle Waldrop's grounder brought in a second run, and the Blaze led 2-0 before the seats were warm.
Shane Dyer (W, 1-0) went to work right from the get-go. Dyer set down the first seven Nuts batters before allowing a 3rd-inning single, and though Dyer gave up one hit in each of the next four innings, the Nuts did not legitimately threaten until the 8th inning.
In all, Dyer went 7.1 frames on the night, and both runs the righthander allowed scored after he departed.
The Blaze got their third, and deciding run, in the 4th. Juan Perez tripled with one out, and Silva and Marquez Smith each walked with two down to load the bases. Selsky stepped to the dish, and on a 1-and-2 count, an Alsup fastball grazed Selsky's left thigh, forcing in a run, and putting Bakersfield up, 3-0.
The Nuts did eventually make a close game of it. With one out in the 8th, Dyer allowed a single to Harold Riggins and a double to Niko Gallego, and he was lifted for closer Jamie Walczak (S, 4), looking for a five-out save. Walczak got the second out of the 8th, but a bloop single from Brian Humphries scored two, and the Blaze lead was cut to just 3-2.
In the 9th, after Nick Schnaitmann tossed a scoreless pair of frames for the Nuts, Modesto almost got even. A leadoff single from Jared Simon was followed by two strikeouts, but also two wild pitches, and the Nuts put the tying run at third. Trevor Story walked to put runners on the corners, but Walczak fanned Riggins to end the game, striking out the side for his fourth save in as many tries.
The win is the first for the Blaze at John Thurman Field this season, in five tries, and the team will look for another on Friday night, as James Allen toes the rubber against Rockies 1st round pick Eddie Butler. First pitch is set for 7:05pm.
Make sure to listen to all the action on Friday night, as Blaze broadcaster Dan Besbris brings the call live on internet (BakersfieldBlaze.com) and radio (SmartTalk AM-1230). The pregame show begins at 6:55pm, with Blaze baseball to follow.
California League Stories from June 14, 2013
- 2013 California-Carolina League All-Star Game Home Run Derby Participants Announced - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Drop Thursday's Series-Opener - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Stockton Snaps Four-Game Skid With 8-4 Win - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Come up Just Short in Loss to Blaze - Modesto Nuts
- Giants Held to Three Hits in 9-3 Loss - San Jose Giants
- Magic Number Down to Two Despite Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Barbosa, 'Hide Cork San Jose Champagne Bottles - Visalia Rawhide
- Dyer and Walczak Shine in 3-2 Win over Modesto - Bakersfield Blaze
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